By Jeremy Fregene
President Bola Tinubu yesterday swore in Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with a clear charge to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections across Nigeria.
The swearing-in, which took place during an expanded meeting of the National Economic Council at the State House, Abuja, marked the formal beginning of Amupitan’s tenure as head of the electoral body.
Administering the oath of office, President Tinubu urged the new INEC Chairman to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission.
“It is important that our elections are free, fair, and credible,” Tinubu said. “We must consistently improve our electoral process, addressing the challenges of yesterday and innovating for today and tomorrow.”
He added that maintaining public trust in elections required transparency and accountability at every stage — from registration to voting and results collation.
“To sustain confidence in democracy, electoral integrity must be protected. No system is flawless, but it is essential to make our institutions resilient and safeguard them from manipulation,” he stated.
The president urged Amupitan to align Nigeria’s electoral practices with international standards, saying: “I therefore charge you, Prof. Amupitan, to take on this important national duty — to protect the integrity of our elections and strengthen INEC’s institutional framework.”
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, Amupitan pledged to uphold the president’s directive by ensuring that the nation’s elections reflect the true will of the people.
“Like the President said, I have been given a clear charge to ensure credible, fair, and free elections,” Amupitan said. “I will engage all stakeholders because credible elections can only be achieved through collective effort.”
His appointment followed nomination by the President, Senate confirmation, and unanimous endorsement by the National Council of State. A professor of law at the University of Jos, Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2014 and is widely regarded for his expertise in company law, evidence, and corporate governance.
As INEC Chairman, his immediate priorities include the Anambra governorship election in November and the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections slated for February 2026.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and other top government officials.
Shortly after assuming office at the INEC headquarters, Amupitan held his first meeting with the Commission’s directors, reiterating his commitment to transparency, integrity, and discipline in the management of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The integrity of our elections is not negotiable,” he declared. “We must ensure that every voter feels confident that their vote counts. That is our constitutional task.”
Describing his appointment as divine, Amupitan said he viewed his role as part of a national transformation effort. “I believe God has a purpose for my coming here. I am here to play my part in building a new Nigeria,” he said.
He identified teamwork and collaboration among INEC staff as vital to achieving credible elections. “The eyes of Nigerians are on us, and we must rise to the occasion. Let us restore confidence in the ballot,” he urged.
Amupitan also promised to prioritise staff welfare, assuring employees of improved working conditions and resources to perform effectively. “We will expect a lot from you, but we will also ensure you are well-equipped and supported,” he said.
Earlier, the outgoing acting INEC Chairman, May Agbamuche-Mbu, congratulated Amupitan on his appointment, describing it as recognition of his “distinguished record as a legal scholar, administrator, and patriot.”
She noted that the new chairman was assuming office at a critical moment, as the Commission prepared for major elections, and urged him to consolidate on the reforms of his predecessor, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
“Elections are the lifeblood of democracy, and the expectations of Nigerians are high,” Agbamuche-Mbu said. “You are stepping on firm ground laid by Prof. Yakubu, who introduced innovations like the BVAS and the IReV portal. The foundation is strong — your task now is to build and advance it.”
She assured Amupitan of the full cooperation of INEC staff, describing his assignment as a “national service that demands sacrifice, patience, and unflinching dedication.”
“I have no doubt that you are equal to the task,” she concluded.
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